Arsenal’s season is in danger of succumbing to yet more injury devastation.
Gabriel Magalhaes is out for the season following a hamstring injury sustained against Fulham whilst there are also fitness concerns over Jurrien Timber.
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Riccardo Calafiori was injured playing for Italy and in the recent Premier League win Ben White was absent from the Arsenal squad due to a ‘niggle’ in his knee.
Mikel Arteta is now left facing a defensive crisis just as his attack starts to take shape once again following the return of Bukayo Saka, he does have some options though in his Hale End conveyor belt of talen
Arsenal academy star Marli Salmon eligible for Premier League
With William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior the only current fit centre backs in Arteta’s squad, there could be an opportunity for an academy star to make their mark in the Arsenal first-team squad.
As per Gunners academy expert Jeorge Bird on his X account, one of those prospects could be Marli Salmon who has been earning rave reviews for his performances in the U21 and U18 sides.
Arsenal fans were impressed with Salmon during the U21’s recent victory over Norwich and at just 15 years old, he has a promising future in the game.
Salmon has been compared to Saliba for his calm and composed style on the ball but also his huge physical presence and aggressive nature in his defending – he may get the chance to showcase that alongside the French international before the end of the season.
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Saliba and Gabriel have formed a formidable partnership for Arsenal not just this season but over the last few campaigns and now the French star will have to demonstrate his leadership qualities in an inexperienced back line.
Kiwior is likely to partner Saliba for the Champions League clash with Real Madrid and keeping the likes of Kylian Mbappe at bay will require a real team effort.